bobbo wrote: I am getting an api 3124. I will be running my kick and snare through it and don't know if I should run my OH's or my 2 toms through it to take up the other 2 channels. This is my first nice preamp so I don't what would get better use out of the 3124. Plus are there any recomendations on a nice compressor for the kick drum, I was looking at the 6176 pre/comp and it seems nice and classic, but have also heard good things on the distressor with the british mode. I have great drum mics so now I need to get some good preamps and compressors to compliment them.

being as I usually only use 4 channels total on drums, I would say definitely overheads rather than toms through the good pres.

Overhead for sure in my opinion as well. Good OH sound is what I have found to be the most important part of getting a nice drum sound. It seems the kick and snare can be messed with if necessary to get a good sound but if the OH sounds are lacking forget it.